ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s election commission today announced a probe into the alleged horse-trading in the crucial Senate elections after several political parties, including the ruling PML-N, demanded an investigation into the matter.

Ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the biggest party in the Upper House of the elections held on March 3 but the outcome has been marred by charges of horse-trading.

In a statement, the Election Commission of Pakistan said it issued notices to heads of political parties and lawmakers on the basis of their statements in media about corruption in elections.

It said that they “have been summoned on March 14 to initiate an investigation” into their claims about massive use of money. Action will be taken against those found guilty, it added.

Provincial and federal lawmakers voted to elect 52 Senators in the Senate elections on March 3.

PML-N Quaid (chief) Nawaz Sharif blamed those political parties that secured more seats than